Euro 2012 Standings: Early Round Stars Who Will Continue to Shine

After seven days of matches at Euro 2012, it's become clear who will star, and who has slipped into the background of the tournament. Some of the names shining brightest are no surprise (Mario Gomez, David Silva), while others (Mario Mandzukic) are virtual unknowns. 

Now, as the matches take on more and more meaning, these early stars will be counted on to carry their teams deeper and deeper into the tournament. Which ones will continue to come through when it counts, and who will fade into the background of the tournament? 

These names are a great place to start:

Mario Gomez, Germany

The German goalscorer has been at his absolute best through the first two matches of the tournament, scoring three goals and providing the tournament favorites with the presence they need at the front of their formation. 

Don't expect Gomez to slow down as the tournament progresses, either. The Bayern standout is the perfect sharp edge to the German attack, as his skills as a pure poacher are unmatched. With the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira, Tomas Muller Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil feeding him passes in and around the box, there is no reason why Gomez can't continue to capitalize on the plethora of chances he gets. 

Think about his style of play at Bayern; his role was simple: take passes from Franck Ribery and Muller and convert them into scoring chances. With Germany, his role is essentially the same. Expect Gomez's torrid scoring rate to continue, even as the tournament field narrows. 

Alan Dzagoev, Russia

The young Russian midfielder has been the catalyst that has propelled his side to the top of Group A through two matches, slicing and dicing opposing defenses to the tune of three goals and a plethora of key plays in both matches. But, the 21-year-old is hardly a flash in the pan; he's one of the most talented young playmakers in Europe. 

Dzagoev has the size and skill with the ball at his feet to make himself very difficult to defend. His game has very few holes, and his pitch vision is fantastic. He's a consistent player, and with his passing and playmaking ability, he's going to be a major factor in matches even if he's not scoring.

With his total skill set, you can bet that we're going to be hearing Dzagoev's name for as long as the Russians stay in the tournament, and potentially after, as his play is sure to attract some big name clubs.

Manuel Neuer, Germany

Coming into the tournament, the only question in the German lineup was its defense. With a lack of experience, many wondered whether they could survive the pressures of the European Championships. Fortunately for their fans, Manuel Neuer has proven more than capable of the task. 

The 26-year-old Bayern Munich keeper has been a rock at the back of the German defense, organizing the back line and ensuring that, despite facing two of the most potent offenses in the world in Portugal and the Netherlands, the Germans would allow just one goal. 

But Neuer's no fluke; he showed himself to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the world in the Champions League final, and has continued to impress with the national team. He has the size, instincts and positioning to be a fantastic keeper, and is extremely skilled at organizing his defense. Given his play in the first two matches, look for Neuer to carry this German team deep into the tournament.